Developed at Johns Hopkins University by data scientists Jeff Leek and Michael Rosenblum, DataTrail is a 14-week educational initiative designed to equip underserved young adults, high school, and GED-graduates with the skills and support necessary to pursue careers in data science. The program provides a blend of virtual and in-person learning, covering topics such as R programming, data visualization, exploratory statistics, and version control using GitHub.

Participants receive hands-on experience through real-world projects and internships with organizations such as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and local technology companies, allowing them to apply their skills in meaningful ways. Beyond technical training, the program offers comprehensive wrap-around services, including case management, financial literacy workshops, and mentoring, to ensure participants can navigate barriers and achieve personal and professional stability. 

Since 2024, the program’s direct service operations have been managed by Code in the Schools. CITS plays a critical role by coordinating program logistics, mentoring participants, hosting internships, and managing stipend payments to allow participants to work on impactful data analysis projects.

This partnership ensures a seamless delivery of both the technical and holistic components of the program, enabling participants to succeed in data science careers and beyond. By June 2025, the program will transition entirely to Code in the Schools, with on-going curricular support from the JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Code in the Schools has adapted the DataTrail curriculum for high school students in its CodeWorks and Prodigy Programs and provides customized offerings to partners for in-school and out-of-school options, as well as to educators for professional development.

Please contact us at info@codeintheschools.org for more information.